Queensland Health says the Cairns Hospital expansion is moving forward as Far North Queensland's largest single health investment, backed by more than $1 billion.
The program includes a new Cairns Health Innovation and Surgical Centre with at least 40 beds, four operating theatres, 16 day-surgery spaces, specialist outpatient services, clinical-trials facilities and simulation and training areas.
A new clinical trials unit is planned with eight overnight beds for advanced research. Queensland Health says this will help expand local participation in Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies, reducing the need for some patients to travel south to access trials.
Stage 1 also includes a health management hub, an approximately 950-space staff car park, an extreme-weather-rated rooftop helipad, and expanded imaging, pathology, pharmacy, sterilising and kitchen services. CPB Contractors and Hansen Yuncken are expected to deliver the surgical centre by 2031, while the helipad is scheduled for 2027.
Source: Queensland Health, 18 September 2026.
Image disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated editorial illustration and does not depict the final approved building design.
